films

How can I ever write about inspirational television without mentioning the incomparable Sir David Attenborough? Choose any one of his amazing series, but watch it with your credit card in hand, because no doubt within minutes you’ll be itching to get online and book your flights to wherever it is he happens to be!

Life, Blue Planet, Africa, Galapagos… all are beautiful portrayals of the magical world we live in, and will spark wanderlust in even the most dedicated of armchair travellers.

“Amelia”

This is an inspiring story about the incredible Amelia Earhart, the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, before she mysteriously disappeared after going out of radio contact.

“Romancing the Stone”

This is one of my favourite films. It’s a good, old-fashioned, questionable-special-effects, romp, and absolutely fantastic for it!

“Seven Years in Tibet”

Based on the true story of Heinrich Harrer, and with incredible shots from the stunning landscape of Tibet. It’s beautiful and moving, and and lovely lovely film.

“Indiana Jones”

How can Indiana Jones not feature. He is my hero, and the first (and eternal) love of my life. Archaeologist-extraordinaire, adventurer, explorer, whip-wielding, hat-wearing, horse-riding, all around wonderful Indiana and his stories.

“Shackleton”

Shackleton is one of my favourite people in the world, so when this came out I was one of the first in the cinema! His moving, inspiring story is portrayed along with the incredible cinematography of the ice and snow of Antarctica.

“The Darjeeling Limited”

The story of thee brother’s adventures across India after their father dies, as they try to come together and bond through their travels.

“Anna Karenina”

With wonderful sets, incredible costumes, and all the scenes blending beautifully as if on stage, this was a wonderful film that made me not only want to go back to Russia, but also go back in time to the courts and balls of the Russian Tsars!

“Lawrence of Arabia”

The desert, of course, is an incredible situation for a film, with sifting sand dunes, red sunsets, and the striking contrast of the white jelabas and charging horses. This is a really lovely, but very long, film that will make you want to grab some water and suncream, and hop on a plane to the Middle East!

“Eight Below”

Now this is the child in me coming out, but I love Eight Below. It’s based on a true story of survival and one man’s attempts to find his dogs, and it is wonderful!

“The Painted Veil”

A British medical doctor fights cholera in a small Chinese village where he has bought his unloved, and unloving wife. The cinematography is stunning, and the story lined entrancing.

“Medicine Man”

An eccentric scientist is working on a research project in the Amazon jungle. He sends for a research assistant and a gas chromatograph because he’s close to a cure for cancer. When the assistant turns out to be a “mere woman,” he rejects her help.

“Castaway”

This film will have you crying and laughing in equal measure. Everyone knows the story, knows the “WILSON” moment, knows the pain and heartache he goes through. But it will make you wonder if you could do it… on your own on a tropical island with nothing to help you survive but your own wits.